New Security, Privacy, Extensions, Safety settings in Chrome browser

The latest iteration of the Google Chrome browser for Windows, Mac, and Linux brings many new changes for its users. We’ll have a look at how to make use of the new Security, Privacy, Extensions, Safety settings in Chrome 83 and later browser

New Security & Privacy Settings in Chrome

The passed-over release puts a big focus on the security and privacy of the browser users. It also changes the default location of some of the earlier settings which makes them easier to find. This includes Cookie settings, privacy settings, extensions, and Google sync settings. All of them now display well-labeled descriptions. Let’s access some of the new and changed settings in Chrome.

1. Security/Privacy settings in Chrome
2. Changed Extensions Menu
3. Site Settings
4. Improved Safety Check in Chrome
5. Tab groups

To stop domain-name queries from being observed on the network, Chrome also implements DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH). The capability prevents Internet Service Providers on the network path from snooping on DNS queries and using the information to target subscribers with selective ads. The trialing of DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) started in Chrome v79.

1] Security/Privacy settings in Chrome

In terms of security, Chrome has introduced a new concept. It’s called Safe Browsing. The feature enables the browser to check and flag a page, it finds as dangerous. So, if a user attempts to visit or download a page that looks suspicious, the browser will flag it, instantly.

In addition to the above, you can configure new Cookie controls in the browser’s incognito (private browsing) mode. It supports a capability that lets users block third-party cookies. As you know, blocking third-party cookies helps users preserve their privacy by preventing online advertisers from tracking users via cookies file.

There’s another section in the Chrome settings page that lets users manage and delete cookies on a per-site basis. This is something new as the feature that was until now seen in Firefox is now available to Chrome users. It gives users the ability to delete a cookie on a per-site basis, without having to clear cookies on all sites!

2] Changed Extensions Menu

Moving away from its earlier arrangement, Chrome now displays its extensions menu as a little puzzle icon in the main toolbar. It focuses on easier access, as tapping it readily displays a list of extensions. However, as earlier, you can pin the extensions to the right of the address bar. Extensions help optimize your search and browsing experience. As such, it is necessary to have easier and quicker access to them!

3] Site Settings

Redesigned Site Settings organizes the browser window into two sections. The first deals with the following

• Location
• Camera
• Microphone
• Notifications
• Other sensitive website preferences.

On the other hand, the new section lists recent permissions activity.

4] Improved Safety Check in Chrome

Chrome now runs a new ‘Safety Check’ option, visible under the ‘Privacy and security’ section of Chrome. The primary job of the Safety Check feature is to make sure you don’t have any harmful extensions installed on your computer. If seen, it prompts the user to uninstall them immediately. The same feature’s account-level integrations with Gmail and Drive provides protection based on a holistic view of threats you encounter on the web and attacks against your Google Account.

In addition to the above, the improved safety feature readily scans Chrome to check if the latest version of the browser is installed or not. It also keeps a check on user’s passwords, if compromised or not when the Safe Browsing service is enabled.

5] Tab Groups

Tab Groups feature helps users manage different work-spaces together by letting them organize tabs into small groups on the tab bar. These tabs can then, be renamed, moved around the tab bar, and colored differently. In future versions, Google plans to add a capability that would collapse tab groups altogether, so users can save more space on their tab bar.

Apart from the above, there are some more useful changes made to the browser including Web Form Controls. The joint efforts of Chrome and Edge developers have led to enhancements in the appearance and function of HTML form controls. These controls now appear interactive and are easier to perceive.

If the changed settings and improved features are not visible to you, don’t worry. Google has planned to roll them out, gradually.

What’s your take on the new and improved features in Google Chrome? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!